Independent Travel in Fiji

Hi,

How realistic is it to travel on local boats/ferries, stay in hostels (or wild camp) and explore Fiji without a package tour or staying in an expensive resort? Looking at spending 7-14 days there, on a budget, possibly with a bicycle. Also, would it be worth taking a pack raft to paddle some of the coast, or would this be unadvised? Tips, ideas and places to visit all appreciated!

Thanks :)

Camping wild is frowned upon as all land is privately owned and hostels are limited, but otherwise budget travel by public transport and staying in cheap hotels is perfectly possible and indeed Fiji is about the cheapest and one of the easiest countries in the South Pacific to do so.

Buses are a good way to travel. The main ones are Sunbeam Transport, Sunset Express & Coral Sun Transport. There are bus stands at Nadi airport & town and Suva near the market. You must purchase a ticket before travelling.
You need to know where you are staying whether it's by bus, bike or boat. All land is owned and it's not polite to just turn up. Please read up on cultural protocols too before you visit a town or village.
Consider a home stay if you are looking for cheaper accommodation. You can book through homestay sites or booking.com for others. There are some reviews on Lonely Planet.
Have a look at the Facebook Page for the Fiji Rucksack Club for some ideas for trips you can make.
I like the east and north coast of Vitu Levi.
Vanua Levi is also wonderful a but requires a booked boat trip from Suva to Savu Savu. I loved this trip, so if you can fit it in, go for it.

Hi,
Just a reminder, that's it's nice to acknowledge the response to your travel query.

We put a bit of thought and effort into replying and it makes it worth the effort when our support is appreciated.

Tracy

@TeresiaLee , most OP don't bother with thanks.
I am used to that, and only get annoyed when they simply repost the same Q later, without even hinting at already being given advice earlier.
Most of the time we won't even know if they ever returned to read our replies.

Buses are a good way to travel. The main ones are Sunbeam Transport, Sunset Express & Coral Sun Transport. There are bus stands at Nadi airport & town and Suva near the market. You must purchase a ticket before travelling.
You need to know where you are staying whether it's by bus, bike or boat. All land is owned and it's not polite to just turn up. Please read up on cultural protocols too before you visit a town or village.
Consider a home stay if you are looking for cheaper accommodation. You can book through homestay sites or booking.com for others. There are some reviews on Lonely Planet.
Have a look at the Facebook Page for the Fiji Rucksack Club for some ideas for trips you can make.
I like the east and north coast of Vitu Levi.
Vanua Levi is also wonderful a but requires a booked boat trip from Suva to Savu Savu. I loved this trip, so if you can fit it in, go for it.

Thanks for the information, I always wanted to travel to Fiji so this information is good for me to take note of and when I travel I can make use of this and get the best experience. And I have a doubt, are very rigorous with the cultural protocols?

Hi,
If you visit a village, you will need a guide as you cannot go uninvited.
A tour operator such as Talanoa Trek (based Suva) offer great experiences at good prices.
Other wise have a look online (eg Lonely Planet) at cultural practices to observe.

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